The Seattle Seahawks are expecting to get Marshawn Lynch back for Week 5 after the running back missed the past two games with a hamstring injury. Thomas Rawls has been a solid fantasy football replacement option with Lynch out and players like Doug Baldwin and Jimmy Graham could get a boost for Russell Wilson once Lynch returns.
Lynch missed his first action with the Seahawks in four years with the hamstring injury and after being out for two weeks, it looks like the running back may return in Week 6. According to the Seattle Times, Bob Condotta reports that the Seahawks "expect Lynch to return to the lineup" on Sunday when the team plays the undefeated Carolina Panthers. The Seahawks come into the game after a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and they are looking to get back on track in Week 6 with a victory.
Rawls has been solid coming in for Lynch ahead of Fred Jackson, as he had over 160 yards rushing against a tough Bengals defense. Rawls could continue to get some work behind Lynch if the hamstring is not 100 percent and Lynch still plays, but fantasy owners should expect Lynch to get back to his normal workload. Lynch was off to a slow start even before the injury happened and he has yet to score a rushing touchdown this season.
Rawls is averaging over five yards per carry this season and that could get him some extra work behind Lynch in certain situations. Lynch has played in three games this season and has just 128 yards rushing and if he comes back this week, he will face a tough defense from the Panthers. The Panthers are expected to get back Luke Kuechly after his concussion and that would be a big boost for that defense, as Kuechly is one of the best defensive players in the league.
Rawls is a solid handcuff option for fantasy owners who have Lynch, as hamstring injuries can often linger and if Lynch goes down again, Rawls will step in as the starter. Rawls has been very good for the Seahawks in his limited playing time, going for 326 yards and one touchdown while averaging 5.6 yards per carry in five games this season. According to the Seattle Times, Pete Carroll said that Rawls will continue to get touches when Lynch comes back, adding that the team will "just pump (Rawls) in there and see how many carries that amounts to" against the Panthers.
The passing offense should get a boost once Lynch returns, as defenses will focus in a bit more on the running back and that could help players like Doug Baldwin and Jimmy Graham get things going. Baldwin is a solid fantasy option in deep leagues, while Graham is looking to get things going after a slow start. Graham has 21 catches in five games this season for 204 yards and two TDs.
